Book of Days

I am proud to say I finished my first week in my Book of Days. I struggled with the writing - my journals are usually mostly visual, but I loved the idea of starting the week with a drawing or collage piece and building on it all week. Here are the results:

Book of Days

I have started a new journal for my "Book of Days." I decided on an old birding field guide. I loved the size and feel of it and thought it would be a good way to work on my "Presence." I decided to make it a simple journal. Here is the cover...

My first spread. I opted not to write about 2011- I wanted more to look forward.

and my response to the prompt "looking forward." 

I am having a sudden love of sock monkeys...don't ask! I found out I am going to be a Nana for the second time and was thinking about my twin sons and their first toys. One had a monkey and one a blue elephant. So I am looking forward to making new creations for my second grand child! It is a mystery how the mind works but I love just going with the flow - no planning, just be.

Getting Ready for the New Year

I am starting the new year by treating myself to an online mixed media course by Misty Mawn called "Open Studio" Our first assignment is to write something to the prompt: "I am here..." I decided to combine the writing with the word I have selected to guide me for 2012...PRESENT. I have always had difficulty staying in the moment, being 10 steps ahead. My New Year's gift to myself is to be PRESENT, notice....

I am here

PRESENT

Rooted and still,

Branching outward,

Growing in place.

I am here

Resisting the tug of time

Pulling me

Out of this moment.

I am here

Held by love

and connections

That ground me.

I am here

PRESENT.

Happy Holidays!

I have been a busy elf, as I am sure most of you are too. Last night we went to an event at a local winery. Snacks, cookies, free wine, what could be better. They had a massive bonfire and all the makings for smores. They topped it off with a reading of "Night Before Christmas."

Wishing you a holiday filled with light and love.

Karen

Back From Journalfest

As always, an amazing event. This year was particularly special in so many ways for me. I took 2 days of classes from Orly Avineri. My favorite was the "Face Lift" class. Here are some of my completed pages....

I was given the gift of new techniques, but more importantly, new ideas and concepts to think about and explore. This for me is the essence of going to a retreat. My "well" is re-filled and I am ready to work.

Ghostly Words

Recently I was asked to use some of my drawings to illustrate a poem. "Ella's Edge" is a wonderful blog with poetry and poetry prompts along with photography and other mixed media delights. Here is the link: http://ellasedge.blogspot.com/2011/10/apology.html . It is inspiring and amazing to see how poetry -  or a story can change your feeling about a piece of art. Coupled with the word, the images become more than they were as just drawings. Thanks Ella!
On a side note....I am feverishly working in my studio to get ready for a show here in Southern Oregon at Seven Feathers Casino on Saturday 10/15. I will be going to Journalfest at the end of the month - I am so excited to see Port Townsend in Fall again and re-connect with fellow journalers. I hope to see some of you at these upcoming events.

Layered Impressions Painted Collage Face

Here is my before and after for my painted collage faces. I am really working on keeping loose, not being fussy....

the before

The after

Number 2...

 My scanner cut off some of this, I really wish I could have kept  some of the collage showing but, I got a little carried away with the paint...

the finished...again too big for my scanner...It says "she shines her light  on all the lost."